Lurkers Welcome

No, really.  I know you're out there, and it's ok.  There seems to be much ado about the comment thing here in Blogland.  Most consider it impolite if one visits a blog but has nothing to say.  A breach of etiquette to read in silence.

But I've always known that many of my "regulars" are lurkers.  You mention it to me in person, or by email.  Or, my personal favorite ... this was at the bottom of a particularly adorable and cool Christmas card we received this last year... 
(hi k) ...makes me happy to know that there is some connection to people in my life that maybe I'm not talking to as often as I should be, or would like to be ... makes me smile to know that you're out there, even if you're not feeling chatty.

I myself am a pretty shy person.  I know, I know.  Here I am putting myself out here on the Great Big World Wide Interwebs for God and Everybody, and I claim to be shy.  But no, really.  I am.  There are some blogs I've stumbled on, loved, and go back and visit whenever I get a chance, but still have never had the nerve to comment.  I know!  I am a lurker.

I just don't always have stuff to say. 

Or I'm bloghopping on the laptop with Vista, which fights with pretty much all the blog-provider sign-in cookies and sometimes erases comments and shuts down when I try to leave them, so why bother. 

Or, I just don't have stuff to say. 

There was an 8 year lapse between the first time I was introduced to Husband Guy and the time we actually struck up a conversation immediately falling ridiculously and obnoxiously in love, completely aware of how and with whom we would spend the rest of our lives.  During those 8 years, I would see him now and then at parties; we would make short but pleasant small talk and go our separate ways.  My reason for not striking up a conversation? "I don't know, he was always making everyone around him laugh and seemed really funny and entertaining, and I just never had anything clever enough to say to someone like that."

Friends who put up with my constant jibberjabber have always rolled their eyes at this one, but 18 years later, I guess I'm the same way when it comes to chatting up folks I don't already know.

In regular life, one is maybe considered quiet or thoughtful, but in Blogland we become Lurkers.   Mysterious, secretive. 
I do enjoy gabbing with buddies on their blogs, and I can't say I don't totally appreciate each and every comment that I do get here ... you make me smile every time I hear from you, really you do!  But Lurkers, it's alright.  I do it too.  I'm just glad you're here.  I hope you enjoy yourself.

And since I brought it up, although I'm not usually much of a linker or networker here in Blogland, I decided it's about time I give a polite nod toward some of those entertaining and beautiful blogs that I do visit every so often, but have maybe never had anything clever enough to say while visiting (see the new sidebar links!). 

Comments

[Freddie Levin]

I'm a confessing lurker. We met at Surtex and I am a fan of your work and your cheerful thoughtful blog. I check into a list of favorite blogs once a week and I'm always glad to see that you've posted.

[Joyce Shelton]

I don't miss any of your chit chat, Beth! Love to visit.. love to lurk! Your style is fun and witty and Guy is a lucky guy!!

[Sue]

I shall see you at Lurkaholics anonymous.